Lee Barrett's New Layout
Article and Photos by Andrew
Macpherson
Lee Barrett's new layout will be an awesome place to steam, run,
photograph, and film Gauge 1. Here is a glimpse of things to
come, today was the first time that the track was marked, measured
up, and a loco put in position to test angles for photography. For
those who steamed at Lee's old layout this new one is a full three
times longer. It will give a real main line running experience,
taking around 3 minutes at a scale 60mph. I for one can't wait!
A dream is born, the track plan is raked onto the laser
leveled railroad 'platform'. The mountains of the San Jacinto range
form the backdrop to the 1/32 scale three mile long loop, which is is
800 feet around, 230 feet long, and 125 feet wide. It takes up just a
fraction less space than a full sized football field, and will be
wonderful venue for all steamers, especially those of us with
Daylights, Big Boys, etc.
Lee by the junction, the left or inside track with it's
sweeping 25' radius curves is for shooting long trains winding into
camera.
Lee and Larry Bangham at the junction.
Larry's stunning new David Bailey built, coal fired K27,
gives us the first look at how the layout's backdrop will appear in
the camera's eye.
Larry with his new pride and joy.
The K27 models the photo potential of the new layout
perfectly.